Novel Variant EGIII-Like Cellulase Compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel variant EGIII or EGIII-like cellulases that have improved stability. The variant cellulases have performance sensitive residues replaced to a residue having modified stability.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is related to concurrently filed applications with attorney docket numbers GC629, GC546C1, GC630 and GC555C1, all filed on Aug. 4, 2000, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cellulases are enzymes which are capable of hydrolysis of the β-D-glucosidic linkages in celluloses. Cellulolytic enzymes have been traditionally divided into three major classes: endoglucanases, exoglucanases or cellobiohydrolases and β-glucosidases (Knowles, J. et al., (1987), TIBTECH 5, 255-261); and are known to be produced by a large number of bacteria, yeasts and fungi.

Although cellulases are used to degrade wood pulp and animal feed, cellulases are primarily used in the treatment of textiles, e.g., in detergent compositions for assisting in the removal of dirt or grayish cast (see e.g., Great Britain Application Nos. 2,075,028, 2,095,275 and 2,094,826) or in the treatment of textiles prior to sale to improve the feel and appearance of the textile. Thus, Great Britain Application No. 1,358,599 illustrates the use of cellulase in detergents to reduce the harshness of cotton containing fabrics.

Cellulases have also been used in the treatment of textiles to recondition used fabrics by making their colors more vibrant (see e.g., The Shizuoka Prefectural Hammamatsu Textile Industrial Research Institute Report, Vol. 24, pp. 54-61 (1986)). Repeated washing of cotton containing fabrics results in a grayish cast to the fabric which is believed to be due to disrupted and disordered fibrils, sometimes called “pills”, caused by mechanical action. This greyish cast is particularly noticeable on colored fabrics. As a consequence, the ability of cellulase to remove the disordered top layer of the fiber and thus improve the overall appearance of the fabric has been of value.

Because of its effectiveness in many industrial processes, there has been a trend in the field to search for specific cellulase compositions or components which have particularly effective performance profiles with respect to one or more specific applications. As possible sources of cellulases, practitioners have focused on fungi and bacteria. For example, cellulase produced by certain fungi such as Trichoderma spp. (especially Trichoderma reesei) have been given much attention because a complete cellulase system capable of degrading crystalline forms of cellulose is readily produced in large quantities via fermentation procedures. This specific cellulase complex has been extensively analyzed to determine the nature of its specific components and the ability of those components to perform in industrial processes (see, Wood et al., “Methods in Enzymology”, 160, 25, pages 234, et seq. (1988). U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,101 (Ward et al.) discloses the purification and molecular cloning of one particularly useful enzyme called endoglucanase III (EGIII) which is derived from Trichoderma reesei.

PCT Publication No. WO 94/14953 discloses endoglucanases which are encoded by a nucleic acid which comprises any one of a series of DNA sequences, each having 20 nucleotides.

Ooi, et al., Curr Genet. 18:217-222 (1990) disclose the cDNA sequence coding for endoglucanase F1-CMC produced by Aspergillus aculeatus which contains the amino acid strings NNLWG, ELMIW and GTEPFT. Sakamoto, et al., Curr. Genet. 27:435-439 (1995) discloses the cDNA sequence encoding the endoglucanase CMCase-1 From Aspergillus kawachii IFO 4308 which contains the amino acid strings ELMIW and GTEPFT. Ward, et al., discloses the sequence of EGIII having the amino acid strings NNLWG, ELMIW and GTEPFT. Additionally, two cellulase sequences, one from Erwinia carotovara and Rhodothermus marinus are disclosed in Saarilahti, et al., Gene 90:9-14 (1990) and Hreggvidsson, et al., Appl. Environ. Microb. 62:3047-3049 (1996) which contain the amino acid string ELMIW.

Despite knowledge in the art related to many cellulase compositions having applications in some or all of the above areas, there is a continued need for new cellulase compositions which have improved stability under conditions present in applications for which cellulases are useful, e.g., household and laundry detergents and textile treatment compositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a variant EGIII or EGIII-like cellulase is provided wherein one or more amino acids are modified or deleted to confer improved performance, including stability in the presence of thermal and/or surfactant mediated stress. In another embodiment of the invention, residues critical for the stability of an EGIII-like cellulase are identified.

In a preferred embodiment, a variant EGIII or EGIII-like cellulase is provided, wherein the variant comprises a substitution or deletion at a position corresponding to one or more of residues P201, G170 and/or V210 in EGIII from Trichoderma reesei.

In a more preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the variant comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to one or more of residues P201C, G170C and/or V210C in EGIII.

In an alternative embodiment, the EGIII-like cellulase of this invention, comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to one or more of residues C190G/S, C221 S/P and or C231 S/V of H. grisea.

In a different aspect of this embodiment, the EGIII-like cellulase is derived from a fungus, bacteria or Actinomycete. In a preferred aspect, the cellulase is derived from a fungus. In a more preferred aspect, the filamentous fungus. In a most preferred aspect, the filamentous fungus belongs to Euascomycete, in particular Aspergillus spp., Gliocladium spp., Fusarium spp., Acremonium spp., Myceliophtora spp., Verticillium spp., Myrothecium spp., or Penicillium spp.

In another embodiment, the EGIII-like cellulase of this invention is an endoglucanase.

In yet another embodiment of this invention, a DNA that encodes an EGIII-like cellulase is provided. In one aspect of this embodiment, the DNA is on a vector. In another aspect of this embodiment, the DNA is in a host cell transformed with the vector.

In a further embodiment, a method for producing an EGIII-like cellulase of this invention is provided. Specifically, a method is provided comprising the steps of culturing a host cell in a suitable culture medium under suitable conditions to produce cellulase, and obtaining said produced cellulase.

In yet another embodiment, a detergent composition is provided that comprises a surfactant and a variant EGIII-like cellulase comprising a substitution or deletion at a position corresponding to one or more of residues P201, G170 and/or V210 in EGIII from Trichoderma reesei. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the variant comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to one or more of residues residues P201C, G170C and/or V210C in EGIII. In another aspect of this embodiment, the detergent is a laundry detergent. In yet another aspect, the detergent is a dish detergent.

As shown in more detail below, the substitutions identified herein are important to the stability of EGIII and EGIII-like enzymes, particularly under thermal stress. Accordingly it is within the scope of the present invention to use the EGIII or EGIII-like enzyme in textile treatment, e.g., in laundry detergent or stone washing compositions, in the reduction of biomass, in the production of feed additives or treatment of feed, in the treatment of wood pulp for the production of paper or pulp based products, and in the treatment of starch during grain wet milling or dry milling to facilitate the production of glucose, high fructose corn syrup and/or alcohol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the amino acid sequence of mature EGIII protein from Trichoderma reesei showing the residues described in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the DNA sequence of EGIII from Trichoderma reesei without introns.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alignment of the full length sequence of 20 EGIII-like cellulases in alignment with EGIII, indicating equivalent residues based on primary sequence modeling, including those derived from Trichoderma reesei, Hypocrea schweinitzii, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus kawachii (1), Aspergillus kawachii (2), Aspergillus oryzae, Humicola grisea, Humicola insolens, Chaetomium brasilliense, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium javanicum (1), Fusarium javanicum (2), Gliocladium roseum (1), Gliocladium roseum (2), Gliocladium roseum (3), Gliocladium roseum (4), Memnoniella echinata, Emericella desertoru, Actinomycete 11AG8, Streptomyces lividans CelB, Rhodothermus marinus, and Erwinia carotovara.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have isolated novel members of a family of cellulases that have homology to EGIII from Trichoderma reesei. Analysis of these cellulases has resulted in differential performance between the cellulases, despite significant homology. In particular, it was discovered that the EGIII-like cellulases from Humicola grisea have superior performance under conditions of thermal stress. By aligning the amino acid sequences in these EGIII-like cellulases with that of EGIII, it is possible to identify residue differences between the thermally more stable cellulases and EGIII, thus identifying residues which are important for the improved thermal stability of EGIII-like cellulases. Accordingly, by optimizing the identified residues in EGIII as well as in the EGIII-like cellulases, it is possible to further improve the thermal stability of both the EGIII and the EGIII-like cellulases. Conversely, by recruiting residues critical for stability from a less stable enzyme, the thermal stability of an EGIII-like cellulase can be reduced.

The present invention thus encompasses all such modifications that are identified through the amino acid sequence comparison of EGIII-like cellulases. Particular attention is made to those modifications that result in a change of enzyme thermal stability.

In a preferred embodiment, cysteines present in a H. grisea EGIII-like cellulase are recruited into EGIII from T. reesei. In a most preferred embodiment, cysteines are substituted at positions 170, 201 and 210 of mature T. reesei.

The improved protein according to the present invention comprises an amino acid sequence that is derived from the amino acid sequence of a precursor protein. The precursor protein may be a naturally occurring protein or a recombinant protein. The amino acid sequence of the improved protein is derived from the precursor protein's amino acid sequence by the substitution, deletion or insertion of one or more amino acids of the precursor amino acid sequence. Such modification is generally of the precursor DNA sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of the precursor proteins rather than manipulation of the precursor protein per se. Suitable methods for such manipulation of the precursor DNA sequence include methods disclosed herein and in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,760,025 and 5,185,258, incorporated herein by reference.

Sequence alignments may be produced using different EGIII-like cellulases and may slightly differ from one alignment to another depending on the number of sequences and the degree of homology. Suitable experiments to determine appropriate modifications are routine to the ordinarily skilled worker in conjunction with the present disclosure.

Within the specification, certain terms are disclosed which are defined below so as to clarify the nature of the claimed invention.

“Cellulase” is a well-classified category of enzymes in the art and includes enzymes capable of hydrolyzing cellulose polymers to shorter cellooligosaccharide oligomers, cellobiose and/or glucose. Common examples of cellulase enzymes include exo-cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases and are obtainable from many species of cellulolytic organisms, particularly including fungi and bacteria.

“EGIII” cellulase refers to the endoglucanase component described in Ward et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,101 and Proceedings on the Second TRICEL Symposium on Trichoderma reesei Cellulases And Other Hydrolases, Suominen & Reinikainen eds., Espoo Finland (1993), pp. 153-158 (Foundation for Biotechnical and Industrial Fermentation Research, Vol. 8). As discussed therein, EGIII is derived from Trichoderma reesei and is characterized by a pH optimum of about 5.8, an isoelectric point (pI) of about 7.4 and a molecular weight of about 25 kD. The enzyme commonly referred to as EGII from Trichoderma reesei has been previously referred to in the literature by the nomenclature EGIII by some authors, but that enzyme differs substantially from the enzyme defined herein as EGIII in terms of molecular weight, pI and pH optimum.

“EG-III like enzyme”, “EGIII-like protein” or “EGIII-like cellulase” according to the present invention means enzymes that are related to EGIII by having certain amino acid strings in common with EGIII. As used herein, EGIII-like cellulase is also intended to encompass EGIII from Trichoderma reesei. Thus an EGIII-like cellulase comprises an enzyme having cellulolytic activity which comprises an amino acid sequence comprising therein an amino acid string selected from the group consisting of one or more of:

1) Asn-Asn-(Leu/Phe/Lys/Ile)-Trp-Gly 2) Glu-(Leu/Phe/Ile)-Met-Ile-Trp 3) Gly-Thr-Glu-Pro-Phe-Thr; 4) (Ser/Tyr/Cys/Trp/Thr/Asn/Lys/Arg)-(Val/Pro)- (Lys/Ala)-(Ser/Ala)-(Tyr/Phe); and 5) Lys-Asn-Phe-Phe-Asn-Tyr.

In one embodiment, the enzyme of the invention further has significant structural and/or sequence homology to EGIII. Thus, in one aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the enzyme has at least 30%, preferably at least 40% and most preferably at least 60% amino acid identity to EGIII. However, it should be recognized that homology alone is often not an appropriate measure for whether a particular enzyme identified by the methods described herein represents an EGIII-like enzyme. Similar enzymatic function with or without reduced homology may identify an EGIII-like cellulase. Accordingly, while homologous enzymes are indeed detected by the methods described and exemplified herein, the degree of homology should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention.

It is contemplated the EGIII-like cellulases of the invention may be found in many organisms which produce cellulases. However, likely sources of EGIII-like cellulase include those derived from a bacterium or fungus, and more particularly, from an Actinomycete, a Bacillus or a filamentous fungus. In a preferred embodiment, the cellulase is derived from the filamentous fungal family Metazoa, preferably Euascomycetes. Within Metazoa, fungal phylogenetic classifications that produce EGIII-like cellulases include the mitosporic Pyrenomycetes (including Acremonium), Sordariales (including Thielavia), Hypocreales (including Nectriaceae such as Fusarium, Necitia, Verticillium, Myrothecium and Gliocladium; and Hypocrea) and Eurotiales (including mitosporic Trichocomaceae such as Aspergillus and Penicillium).

The Euascomycete preferably belongs to Diaporthales, Halosphaeriales, Microascales, Ophiostomatales, Phyllachorales, Sordariales or Xylariales. Also preferably, the Eusacomycete belongs to Hypocreales comprising Clavicipitaceae, Melanosporaceae, Nectriaceae, Niessliaceae or Mitosporic Hypocreales. Further preferably, the Euascomycete belongs to Hypocreaceae, wherein said Hypocreaceae does not comprise Trichoderma. Most preferably, the Euascomycete is Gliocladium spp., Fusarium spp., Acremonium spp., Myceliophtora spp., Verticillium spp., Myrothecium spp., Penicillium spp., Chaetomium spp., Emercella spp., and Phanerochaete spp. Specific organisms which are contemplated as possessing EGIII-like cellulases include Chaetomium thermophilum var therm., Chaetomium atrobrunneum, Chaetomium brasiliense, Chaetomium globosum, Chaetomium vitellium, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Chaetomium thermophilum var dissitum, Humicola insolens, Humicola brevis, Memnoniella echinata, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium oxysporum, fusarium stilboides, Myceliophthora thermophila, Fusarium javanicum, Humicola grisea var thermoidea, Stibella thermophila, Melanocarpus albomyces, Arthrobotrys superba, Myceliophthora hinunilea, Chaetomium pachypodiodes, Myrothecium verrucaria, Penicillium crysogenum, Malbranchea sulfurea, Lunulospora curvula, Emericella desertorum, Acremonium strictum, Cylindrocarpon heteronema, and Ulocladium chartarum. Within the Actinomycetes, Streptomyces appears to possess EGIII-like cellulases.

EGIII-like cellulases according to the invention may be obtained according to the following methods. Degenerate DNA primers are constructed which encode an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of one or more of:

1) Asn-Asn-(Leu/Phe/Lys/Ile)-Trp-Gly 2) Glu-(Leu/Phe/Ile)-Met-Ile-Trp 3) Gly-Thr-Glu-Pro-Phe-Thr; 4) (Ser/Tyr/Cys/Trp/Thr/Asn/Lys/Arg)-(Val/Pro)- (Lys/Ala)-(Ser/Ala)-(Tyr/Phe); and 5) Lys-Asn-Phe-Phe-Asn-Tyr and used to clone DNA, and genes, encoding enzymes having cellulolytic activity according to established methods. Techniques for obtaining DNA using degenerate primers are well known in the art and can be found in Sambrook et al. MOLECULAR CLONING—A LABORATORY MANUAL (2ND ED.) VOL. 1-3, Cold Springs Harbor Publishing (1989) (“Sambrook”); and CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Ausubel et al. (eds.), Current Protocols, a joint venture between Greene Publishing Associates, Inc. and John Wiley & Sons, Inc., (1997 Supplement) (“Ausubel”). In addition, the EGIII of the invention may be obtained by other methods conventional in molecular biology, e.g., library screening with labeled probes, expression screening and PCR cloning, using one of the cellulase backbones identified herein as an EGIII-like cellulase.

The degenerate primers can be used as hybridization probes against a genomic library obtained from a target organism to analyze whether a given fragment correlates to a similar sequence in the target organism. A useful hybridization assay is as follows: Genomic DNA from a particular target source is fragmented by digestion with a restriction enzyme(s), e.g., EcoR I, Hind III, Bam HI, Cla I, Kpn I, Mlu I, Spe I, Bgl II, Nco I, Xba I, Xho I and Xma I (supplied by New England Biolabs, Inc., Beverly, Mass. and Boehringer Mannheim) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The samples are then electrophoresed through an agarose gel (such as, for example, 0.7% agarose) so that separation of DNA fragments can be visualized by size. The gel may be briefly rinsed in distilled H₂O and subsequently depurinated in an appropriate solution (such as, for example, 0.25M HCl) with gentle shaking followed by denaturation for 30 minutes (in, for example, 0.4 M NaOH). A renaturation step may be included in which the gel is placed in 1.5 M NaCl, IM Tris, pH 7.0 with gentle shaking for 30 minutes. The DNA is then be transferred onto an appropriate positively charged membrane, for example the Maximum Strength Nytran Plus membrane (Schleicher & Schuell, Keene, N.H.), using a transfer solution (such as, for example, 6×SSC (900 mM NaCl, 90 mM trisodium citrate). After the transfer is complete, generally at about 2 hours or greater, the membrane is rinsed (in, for example, 2×SSC[2×SSC=300 mM NaCl, 30 mM trisodium citrate]) and air dried at room temperature. The membrane is then be prehybridized, (for approximately 2 hours or more) in a suitable prehybridization solution (such as, for example, an aqueous solution containing per 100 mL: 30-50 mL formamide, 25 mL of 20×SSPE (1×SSPE=0.18 M NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 10 mM NaH₂PO₄, pH 7.7), 2.5 mL of 20% SDS, and 1 mL of 10 mg/ml sheared herring sperm DNA).

A DNA probe corresponding to the primer sequences above is be isolated by electrophoresis in an agarose gel, the fragment excised from the gel and recovered from the excised agarose. This purified fragment of DNA is then labeled (using, for example, the Megaprime labeling system according to the instructions of the manufacturer to incorporate P³² in the DNA (Amersham International PLC, Buckinghamshire, England)). The labeled probe is denatured by heating to 95° C. for 5 minutes and immediately added to the prehybridization solution above containing the membrane. The hybridization reaction should proceed for an appropriate time and under appropriate conditions, for example, 18 hours at 37° C. with gentle shaking. The membrane is rinsed (for example, in 2×SSC/0.3% SDS) and then washed with an appropriate wash solution and with gentle agitation. The stringency desired will be a reflection of the conditions under which the membrane (filter) is washed.

Specifically, the stringency of a given reaction (i.e., the degree of homology necessary for successful hybridization) will largely depend on the washing conditions to which the filter from the Southern blot is subjected after hybridization. “Low-stringency” conditions as defined herein will comprise washing a filter from a Southern blot with a solution of 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at 20° C. for 15 minutes. Standard-stringency conditions comprise a further washing step comprising washing the filter from the Southern blot a second time with a solution of 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at 37° C. for 30 minutes.

In a preferred embodiment according to this aspect of the invention, degenerate primers are prepared corresponding to one or more of the above peptides. The primers are combined with a genomic DNA from a target organism (i.e., the organism in which the EGIII-like cellulase is sought) under conditions suitable to initiate a standard PCR reaction. In this embodiment, it is advantageous to select degenerate primers corresponding to peptides (a) and/or (d) plus primers corresponding to (c) and/or (e) and amplify DNA with those primers. After the PCR reaction has been performed, the resulting DNA is run on a polyacrylamide gel and bands corresponding in size to the EGIII fragment comprising peptides (a) and/or (d) in addition to (c) and/or (e), i.e., those in the 400-1000 base pair range, are selected. These fragments are pooled and reamplified using primers corresponding to peptides (a) and/or (d) plus primers corresponding to peptide (b) or, alternatively, using primers corresponding to peptide (c) and/or (e) plus primers corresponding to peptide (b). Strong bands of the expected size (in the case of EGIII-like cellulases, the bands will correspond to approximately 250-500 base pair) are excised and sequenced. The isolated sequences are then used to design primers and these primers are used via, e.g., rapid amplification of genomic DNA ends (RAGE), to obtain the full length gene, see e.g., Mizobuchi, et al., Bio Techniques 15:215-216 (1993).

The DNA that hybridizes with the DNA primers outlined above and thus identified by this method a corresponding EGIII encoding gene may be isolated by routine methods and used to express the corresponding EGIII-like cellulase according to routine techniques. Upon obtaining the cloned gene, routine methods for insertion of the DNA into a vector that can then be transformed into a suitable host cell are used. Culturing the transformed host cell under appropriate conditions results in production of the EGIII-like cellulase that can be obtained, purified and prepared as necessary for a particular application.

The EGIII-like cellulases of the invention are preferably isolated or purified. In the context of the present invention, purification or isolation generally means that the EGIII-like cellulase is altered from its natural state by virtue of separating the EGIII-like cellulase from some or all of the naturally occurring substituents with which it is associated in nature, e.g., the source organism or other cellulases or enzymes expressed by the source organism in conjunction with the EGIII cellulase. Similarly, the EGIII-like cellulases of the invention may be combined with other components that are not naturally present in the natural state. Isolation or purification may be accomplished by art recognized separation techniques such as ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, hydrophobic separation, dialysis, protease treatment, ammonium sulfate precipitation or other protein salt precipitation techniques, centrifugation, size exclusion chromatography, filtration, microfiltration, gel electrophoresis or separation on a gradient to remove whole cells, cell debris, impurities, extraneous proteins, or enzymes undesired in the final composition.

A residue in an EGIII-like cellulase which is “corresponding” or “equivalent” to a residue present in EGIII means a residue which exists in an equivalent position to that in EGIII, as indicated by primary sequence homology, tertiary structural homology (as shown by, e.g., crystal structure or computer modeling) or functional equivalence. A variant EGIII-like cellulase has an amino acid sequence that is derived from the amino acid sequence of a precursor EGIII-like cellulase. The precursor cellulases include naturally occurring cellulases and recombinant cellulases (as defined herein). The amino acid sequence of the EGIII-like cellulase variant is derived from the precursor EGIII-like cellulase amino acid sequence by the substitution, deletion or insertion of one or more amino acids of the precursor amino acid sequence. Such modification is of the precursor DNA sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of the precursor cellulase rather than manipulation of the precursor cellulase enzyme per se. Suitable methods for such manipulation of the precursor DNA sequence include methods disclosed herein and in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,760,025 and 5,185,258. Specific residues corresponding to the positions that are responsible for instability in the presence of surfactant are identified herein for substitution or deletion. The amino acid position number (e.g., +35) refers to the number assigned to the mature Trichoderma reesei EGIII sequence presented in FIG. 1. The invention is directed to the mutation of EGIII-like cellulases that contain amino acid residues at positions that are equivalent to the particular identified residue in Trichoderma reesei EGIII. A residue (amino acid) of a precursor cellulase is equivalent to a residue of Trichoderma reesei EGIII if it is either homologous (i.e., corresponding in position in either primary or tertiary structure) or is functionally analogous to a specific residue or portion of that residue in Trichoderma reesei EGIII (i.e., having the same or similar functional capacity to combine, react, or interact chemically or structurally). As used herein, numbering is intended to correspond to that of the mature EGIII amino acid sequence as illustrated in FIG. 2.

To determine corresponding residues of EGIII-like cellulases from other organisms than T. reesei, a sequence alignment is generated as above with the EGIII-like cellulases. A residue at a known position in T. reesei is identified and located on the alignment. Corresponding residues of other EGIII-like cellulases can be determined. For example, a sequence alignment is shown in FIG. 3. The alanine at position 35 of mature EGIII corresponds to position 81 of the sequence alignment. A corresponding residue from H. grisea is aspartic acid.

Homologous proteins can also be determined by using a “sequence comparison algorithm.” Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison can be conducted, e.g., by the local homology algorithm of Smith & Waterman, Adv. Appl. Math. 2:482 (1981), by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman & Wunsch, J. Mol. Biol. 48:443 (1970), by the search for similarity method of Pearson & Lipman, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 85:2444 (1988), by computerized implementations of these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Dr., Madison, Wis.), or by visual inspection.

An example of an algorithm that is suitable for determining sequence similarity is the BLAST algorithm, which is described in Altschul, et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410 (1990). Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pairs (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence that either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. These initial neighborhood word hits act as starting points to find longer HSPs containing them. The word hits are expanded in both directions along each of the two sequences being compared for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased. Extension of the word hits is stopped when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from a maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below; or the end of either sequence is reached. The BLAST algorithm parameters W, T, and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The BLAST program uses as defaults a word length (W) of 11, the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff & Henikoff, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915 (1989)) alignments (B) of 50, expectation (E) of 10, M′5, N′-4, and a comparison of both strands.

The BLAST algorithm then performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences (see, e.g., Karlin & Altschul, Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5787 (1993)). One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication of the probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance. For example, an amino acid sequence is considered similar to a protease if the smallest sum probability in a comparison of the test amino acid sequence to a protease amino acid sequence is less than about 0.1, more preferably less than about 0.01, and most preferably less than about 0.001.

“Equivalent residues” may also be defined by determining homology at the level of tertiary structure for a precursor protease whose tertiary structure has been determined by x-ray crystallography. Equivalent residues are defined as those for which the atomic coordinates of two or more of the main chain atoms of a particular amino acid residue of a cellulase and T. reesei EGIII (N on N, CA on CA, C on C and O on O) are within 0.13 nm and preferably 0.1 nm after alignment. Alignment is achieved after the best model has been oriented and positioned to give the maximum overlap of atomic coordinates of non-hydrogen protein atoms of the cellulase in question to the T. reesei EGIII. The best model is the crystallographic model giving the lowest R factor for experimental diffraction data at the highest resolution available.

${R\mspace{11mu} {factor}} = \frac{{\sum_{h}{{{Fo}(h)}}} - {{{Fc}(h)}}}{\sum_{h}{{{Fo}(h)}}}$

Equivalent residues which are functionally analogous to a specific residue of T. reesei EGIII are defined as those amino acids of a cellulase which may adopt a conformation such that they either alter, modify or contribute to protein structure, substrate binding or catalysis in a manner defined and attributed to a specific residue of the T. reesei EGIII. Further, they are those residues of the cellulase (for which a tertiary structure has been obtained by x-ray crystallography) which occupy an analogous position to the extent that, although the main chain atoms of the given residue may not satisfy the criteria of equivalence on the basis of occupying a homologous position, the atomic coordinates of at least two of the side chain atoms of the residue lie with 0.13 nm of the corresponding side chain atoms of T. reesei EGIII.

The crystal structure of T. reesei EGIII is presented at The Protein Society, Fourteenth Symposium. San Diego, Calif. Aug. 5-9, 2000, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The coordinates of CelB of Streptomyces lividans, a homologous member of the Family 12 glycosyl hydrolases is provided in Sulzenbacher, et al., Biochemistry 36:6032 (1997) and in Sulzenbacher, et al., Biochemistry 38:4826 (1999).

“Variant” means a protein which is derived from a precursor protein (e.g., the native protein) by addition of one or more amino acids to either or both the C- and N-terminal end, substitution of one or more amino acids at one or a number of different sites in the amino acid sequence, deletion of one or more amino acids at either or both ends of the protein or at one or more sites in the amino acid sequence, or insertion of one or more amino acids at one or more sites in the amino acid sequence. The preparation of an enzyme variant is preferably achieved by modifying a DNA sequence which encodes for the native protein, transformation of that DNA sequence into a suitable host, and expression of the modified DNA sequence to form the derivative enzyme. The variant EGIII-like enzyme of the invention includes peptides comprising altered amino acid sequences in comparison with a precursor enzyme amino acid sequence wherein the variant EGIII-like enzyme retains the characteristic cellulolytic nature of the precursor enzyme but which may have altered properties in some specific aspect. For example, a variant EGIII-like enzyme may have an increased pH optimum or increased temperature or oxidative stability but will retain its characteristic cellulolytic activity. It is contemplated that the variants according to the present invention may be derived from a DNA fragment encoding a cellulase variant EGIII-like enzyme wherein the functional activity of the expressed cellulase derivative is retained. For example, a DNA fragment encoding a cellulase may further include a DNA sequence or portion thereof encoding a hinge or linker attached to the cellulase DNA sequence at either the 5′ or 3′ end wherein the functional activity of the encoded cellulase domain is retained.

“Expression vector” means a DNA construct comprising a DNA sequence that is operably linked to a suitable control sequence capable of effecting the expression of the DNA in a suitable host. Such control sequences may include a promoter to effect transcription, an optional operator sequence to control transcription, a sequence encoding suitable ribosome-binding sites on the mRNA, and sequences that control termination of transcription and translation. Different cell types are preferably used with different expression vectors. A preferred promoter for vectors used in Bacillus subtilis is the AprE promoter; a preferred promoter used in E. coli is the Lac promoter, a preferred promoter used in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is PGK1, a preferred promoter used in Aspergillus niger is glaA, and a preferred promoter for Trichoderma reesei is cbhI. The vector may be a plasmid, a phage particle, or simply a potential genomic insert. Once transformed into a suitable host, the vector may replicate and function independently of the host genome, or may, under suitable conditions, integrate into the genome itself. In the present specification, plasmid and vector are sometimes used interchangeably. However, the invention is intended to include other forms of expression vectors that serve equivalent functions and which are, or become, known in the art. Thus, a wide variety of host/expression vector combinations may be employed in expressing the DNA sequences of this invention. Useful expression vectors, for example, may consist of segments of chromosomal, non-chromosomal and synthetic DNA sequences such as various known derivatives of SV40 and known bacterial plasmids, e.g., plasmids from E. coli including col E1, pCR1, pBR322, pMb9, pUC 19 and their derivatives, wider host range plasmids, e.g., RP4, phage DNAs e.g., the numerous derivatives of phage λ, e.g., NM989, and other DNA phages, e.g., M13 and filamentous single stranded DNA phages, yeast plasmids such as the 2μ plasmid or derivatives thereof, vectors useful in eukaryotic cells, such as vectors useful in animal cells and vectors derived from combinations of plasmids and phage DNAs, such as plasmids which have been modified to employ phage DNA or other expression control sequences. Expression techniques using the expression vectors of the present invention are known in the art and are described generally in, for example, Sambrook. Often, such expression vectors including the DNA sequences of the invention are transformed into a unicellular host by direct insertion into the genome of a particular species through an integration event (see e.g., Bennett & Lasure, MORE GENE MANIPULATIONS IN FUNGI, Academic Press, San Diego, pp. 70-76 (1991) and articles cited therein describing targeted genomic insertion in fungal hosts, incorporated herein by reference).

“Host strain” or “host cell” means a suitable host for an expression vector comprising DNA according to the present invention. Host cells useful in the present invention are generally prokaryotic or eukaryotic hosts, including any transformable microorganism in which expression can be achieved. Preferred host strains include, but are not limited to, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Trichoderma reesei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Aspergillus niger. A most preferred host is A. niger. Host cells are transformed or transfected with vectors constructed using recombinant DNA techniques. Such transformed host cells are capable of both replicating vectors encoding the variant EGIII-like enzymes or expressing the desired peptide product.

“Signal sequence” means a sequence of amino acids bound to the N-terminal portion of a protein that facilitates the secretion of the mature form of the protein outside of the cell. This definition of a signal sequence is a functional one. The mature form of the extracellular protein lacks the signal sequence that is cleaved off during the secretion process.

“DNA vector” means a nucleotide sequence which comprises one or more DNA fragments or DNA variant fragments encoding an EGIII-like cellulase or variants described above which can be used, upon transformation into an appropriate host cell, to cause expression of the variant EGIII-like cellulase.

“Functionally attached to” means that a regulatory region, such as a promoter, terminator, secretion signal or enhancer region is attached to a structural gene and controls the expression of that gene.

The present invention relates to the expression, purification and/or isolation and use of variant EGIII-like cellulases. These enzymes are preferably prepared by recombinant methods utilizing the gene identified and isolated according to the methods described above. However, enzymes for use in the present invention may be obtained by other art-recognized means such as purification from natural isolates.

The microorganism to be transformed for the purpose of expressing an EGIII-like cellulase according to the present invention may advantageously comprise a strain derived from Trichoderma reesei sp. Thus, a preferred mode for preparing EGIII-like cellulases according to the present invention comprises transforming a Trichoderma sp. host cell with a DNA construct comprising at least a fragment of DNA encoding a portion or all of the EGIII-like cellulase detected as described above. The DNA construct will generally be functionally attached to a promoter. The transformed host cell is then grown under conditions so as to express the desired protein. Subsequently, the desired protein product is purified to substantial homogeneity.

In an alternative embodiment, Aspergillus niger can be used as an expression vehicle. For a description of transformation techniques with A. niger, see WO 98/31821, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the strain comprises T. reesei (reesei) which is a useful strain for obtaining overexpressed protein. For example, RL-P37, described by Sheir-Neiss, et al., Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 20:46-53 is known to secrete elevated amounts of cellulase enzymes. Functional equivalents of RL-P37 include Trichoderma reesei (reesei) strain RUT-C30 (ATCC No. 56765) and strain QM9414 (ATCC No. 26921). It is contemplated that these strains would also be useful in overexpressing EGIII-like cellulases.

Where it is desired to obtain the EGIII-like cellulase in the absence of potentially detrimental native cellulolytic activity, it is useful to obtain a Trichoderma host cell strain which has had one or more cellulase genes deleted prior to introduction of a DNA construct or plasmid containing the DNA fragment encoding the EGIII-like cellulase. Such strains may be prepared by the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,853 and WO 92/06209, which are hereby incorporated by reference. By expressing an EGIII-like cellulase in a host microorganism that is missing one or more cellulase genes, the identification and subsequent purification procedures are simplified. Any gene from Trichoderma sp. which has been cloned can be deleted, for example, the cbh1, cbh2, egl1, and egl3 genes as well as those encoding EGIII and/or EGV protein (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,101 and WO 94/28117, respectively).

Gene deletion may be accomplished by inserting a form of the desired gene to be deleted or disrupted into a plasmid by methods known in the art. The deletion plasmid is then cut at an appropriate restriction enzyme site(s), internal to the desired gene coding region, and the gene coding sequence or part thereof replaced with a selectable marker. Flanking DNA sequences from the locus of the gene to be deleted or disrupted, preferably between about 0.5 to 2.0 kb, remain on either side of the selectable marker gene. An appropriate deletion plasmid will generally have unique restriction enzyme sites present therein to enable the fragment containing the deleted gene, including flanking DNA sequences, and the selectable marker gene to be removed as a single linear piece.

A selectable marker must be chosen so as to enable detection of the transformed microorganism. Any selectable marker gene that is expressed in the selected microorganism will be suitable. For example, with Trichoderma sp., the selectable marker is chosen so that the presence of the selectable marker in the transformants will not significantly affect the properties of the fungus. Such a selectable marker may be a gene that encodes an assayable product. For example, a functional copy of a Trichoderma sp. gene may be used which if lacking in the host strain results in the host strain displaying an auxotrophic phenotype.

In a preferred embodiment, a pyr4⁻ derivative strain of Trichoderma sp. is transformed with a functional pyr4 gene, which thus provides a selectable marker for transformation. A pyr4⁻ derivative strain may be obtained by selection of Trichoderma sp. strains that are resistant to fluoroorotic acid (FOA). The pyr4 gene encodes orotidine-5′-monophosphate decarboxylase, an enzyme required for the biosynthesis of uridine. Strains with an intact pyr4 gene grow in a medium lacking uridine but are sensitive to fluoroorotic acid. It is possible to select pyr4⁻ derivative strains that lack a functional orotidine monophosphate decarboxylase enzyme and require uridine for growth by selecting for FOA resistance. Using the FOA selection technique it is also possible to obtain uridine-requiring strains which lack a functional orotate pyrophosphoribosyl transferase. It is possible to transform these cells with a functional copy of the gene encoding this enzyme (Berges & Barreau, Curr. Genet. 9:359-365 (1991)). Selection of derivative strains is easily performed using the FOA resistance technique referred to above, and thus, the pyr4 gene is preferably employed as a selectable marker.

To transform pyr4⁻ Trichoderma sp. so as to be lacking in the ability to express one or more cellulase genes, a single DNA fragment comprising a disrupted or deleted cellulase gene is then isolated from the deletion plasmid and used to transform an appropriate pyr⁻ Trichoderma host. Transformants are then identified and selected based on their ability to express the pyr4 gene product and thus compliment the uridine auxotrophy of the host strain. Southern blot analysis is then carried out on the resultant transformants to identify and confirm a double crossover integration event that replaces part or all of the coding region of the genomic copy of the gene to be deleted with the pyr4 selectable markers.

Although the specific plasmid vectors described above relate to preparation of pyr⁻ transformants, the present invention is not limited to these vectors. Various genes can be deleted and replaced in the Trichoderma sp. strain using the above techniques. In addition, any available selectable markers can be used, as discussed above. In fact, any Trichoderma sp. gene that has been cloned, and thus identified, can be deleted from the genome using the above-described strategy.

As stated above, the host strains used are derivatives of Trichoderma sp. that lack or have a nonfunctional gene or genes corresponding to the selectable marker chosen. For example, if the selectable marker of pyr4 is chosen, then a specific pyr4⁻ derivative strain is used as a recipient in the transformation procedure. Similarly, selectable markers comprising Trichoderma sp. genes equivalent to the Aspergillus nidulans genes amdS, argB, trpC, niaD may be used. The corresponding recipient strain must therefore be a derivative strain such as argB⁻, trpC⁻, niaD⁻, respectively.

DNA encoding the EGIII-like cellulase is then prepared for insertion into an appropriate microorganism. According to the present invention, DNA encoding an EGIII-like cellulase comprises the DNA necessary to encode for a protein that has functional cellulolytic activity. The DNA fragment or DNA variant fragment encoding the EGIII-like cellulase or derivative may be functionally attached to a fungal promoter sequence, for example, the promoter of the cbh1 or egl1 gene.

It is also contemplated that more than one copy of DNA encoding a EGIII-like cellulase may be recombined into the strain to facilitate overexpression. The DNA encoding the EGIII-like cellulase may be prepared by the construction of an expression vector carrying the DNA encoding the cellulase. The expression vector carrying the inserted DNA fragment encoding the EGIII-like cellulase may be any vector which is capable of replicating autonomously in a given host organism or of integrating into the DNA of the host, typically a plasmid. In preferred embodiments two types of expression vectors for obtaining expression of genes are contemplated. The first contains DNA sequences in which the promoter, gene-coding region, and terminator sequence all originate from the gene to be expressed. Gene truncation may be obtained where desired by deleting undesired DNA sequences (e.g., coding for unwanted domains) to leave the domain to be expressed under control of its own transcriptional and translational regulatory sequences. A selectable marker is also contained on the vector allowing the selection for integration into the host of multiple copies of the novel gene sequences.

The second type of expression vector is preassembled and contains sequences required for high-level transcription and a selectable marker. It is contemplated that the coding region for a gene or part thereof can be inserted into this general-purpose expression vector such that it is under the transcriptional control of the expression cassettes promoter and terminator sequences. For example, pTEX is such a general-purpose expression vector. Genes or part thereof can be inserted downstream of the strong cbh1 promoter.

In the vector, the DNA sequence encoding the EGIII-like cellulase of the present invention should be operably linked to transcriptional and translational sequences, i.e., a suitable promoter sequence and signal sequence in reading frame to the structural gene. The promoter may be any DNA sequence that shows transcriptional activity in the host cell and may be derived from genes encoding proteins either homologous or heterologous to the host cell. The signal peptide provides for extracellular production of the EGIII-like cellulase or derivatives thereof. The DNA encoding the signal sequence is preferably that which is naturally associated with the gene to be expressed, however the signal sequence from any suitable source, for example an exo-cellobiohydrolase or endoglucanase from Trichoderma, is contemplated in the present invention.

The procedures used to ligate the DNA sequences coding for the EGIII-like cellulase of the present invention with the promoter, and insertion into suitable vectors are well known in the art.

The DNA vector or construct described above may be introduced in the host cell in accordance with known techniques such as transformation, transfection, microinjection, microporation, biolistic bombardment and the like.

In the preferred transformation technique, it must be taken into account that the permeability of the cell wall to DNA in Trichoderma sp. is very low. Accordingly, uptake of the desired DNA sequence, gene or gene fragment is at best minimal. There are a number of methods to increase the permeability of the Trichoderma sp. cell wall in the derivative strain (i.e., lacking a functional gene corresponding to the used selectable marker) prior to the transformation process.

The preferred method in the present invention to prepare Trichoderma sp. for transformation involves the preparation of protoplasts from fungal mycelium. The mycelium can be obtained from germinated vegetative spores. The mycelium is treated with an enzyme that digests the cell wall resulting in protoplasts. The protoplasts are then protected by the presence of an osmotic stabilizer in the suspending medium. These stabilizers include sorbitol, mannitol, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate and the like. Usually the concentration of these stabilizers varies between 0.8 M and 1.2 M. It is preferable to use about a 1.2 M solution of sorbitol in the suspension medium.

Uptake of the DNA into the host Trichoderma sp. strain is dependent upon the calcium ion concentration. Generally, between about 10 mM CaCl₂ and 50 mM CaCl₂ is used in an uptake solution. Besides the need for the calcium ion in the uptake solution, other items generally included are a buffering system such as TE buffer (10 Mm Tris, pH 7.4; 1 mM EDTA) or 10 mM MOPS, pH 6.0 buffer (morpholinepropanesulfonic acid) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is believed that the polyethylene glycol acts to fuse the cell membranes thus permitting the contents of the medium to be delivered into the cytoplasm of the Trichoderma sp. strain and the plasmid DNA is transferred to the nucleus. This fusion frequently leaves multiple copies of the plasmid DNA tenderly integrated into the host chromosome.

Usually a suspension containing the Trichoderma sp. protoplasts or cells that have been subjected to a permeability treatment at a density of 10⁸ to 10⁹/ml, preferably 2×10⁸/ml are used in transformation. A volume of 100 microliters of these protoplasts or cells in an appropriate solution (e.g., 1.2 M sorbitol; 50 mM CaCl₂) are mixed with the desired DNA. Generally a high concentration of PEG is added to the uptake solution. From 0.1 to 1 volume of 25% PEG 4000 can be added to the protoplast suspension. However, it is preferable to add about 0.25 volumes to the protoplast suspension. Additives such as dimethyl sulfoxide, heparin, spermidine, potassium chloride and the like may also be added to the uptake solution and aid in transformation.

Generally, the mixture is then incubated at approximately 0° C. for a period of between 10 to 30 minutes. Additional PEG is added to the mixture to further enhance the uptake of the desired gene or DNA sequence. The 25% PEG 4000 is generally added in volumes of 5 to 15 times the volume of the transformation mixture; however, greater and lesser volumes may be suitable. The 25% PEG 4000 is preferably about 10 times the volume of the transformation mixture. After the PEG is added, the transformation mixture is then incubated at room temperature before the addition of a sorbitol and CaCl₂ solution. The protoplast suspension is then further added to molten aliquots of a growth medium. This growth medium permits the growth of transformants only. Any growth medium can be used in the present invention that is suitable to grow the desired transformants. However, if Pyr⁺ transformants are being selected it is preferable to use a growth medium that contains no uridine. The subsequent colonies are transferred and purified on a growth medium depleted of uridine.

At this stage, stable transformants may be distinguished from unstable transformants by their faster growth rate and the formation of circular colonies with a smooth, rather than ragged outline on solid culture medium lacking uridine. Additionally, in some cases a further test of stability may be made by growing the transformants on solid non-selective medium (i.e. containing uridine), harvesting spores from this culture medium and determining the percentage of these spores which will subsequently germinate and grow on selective medium lacking uridine.

In a particular embodiment of the above method, the EGIII-like cellulases or derivatives thereof are recovered in active form from the host cell after growth in liquid media either as a result of the appropriate post translational processing of the novel EGIII-like cellulase or derivatives thereof.

The expressed EGIII-like cellulase may be recovered from the medium by conventional techniques including separations of the cells from the medium by centrifugation, filtration, and precipitation of the proteins in the supernatant or filtrate with a salt, for example, ammonium sulphate. Additionally, chromatography procedures such as ion exchange chromatography or affinity chromatography may be used. Antibodies (polyclonal or monoclonal) may be raised against the natural purified EGIII-like cellulase, or synthetic peptides may be prepared from portions of the EGIII-like cellulase molecule and used to raise polyclonal antibodies.

Although it is preferred that substitutions of residues from thermally more stable EG III-like cellulases into EG III cellulase result in more stable EG III, that is not the only possible useful outcome. To one of skill, it will be apparent that substitutions that result in less stable EG III cellulases are also useful in, e.g., compositions used to treat delicate textiles and in other applications where the prolonged existence of active EG III is not desired. In addition, one of skill will readily appreciate that converse substitutions are useful. For example, residues from less thermally stable EG III can be substituted into more stable EG III like cellulases to make less (or more) stable EG III homologs. Again, less stable homologs can be used when the prolonged presence of active cellulase is not required.

Treatment of textiles according to the present invention contemplates textile processing or cleaning with a composition comprising a cellulase. Such treating includes, but is not limited to, stonewashing, modifying the texture, feel and/or appearance of cellulose containing fabrics or other techniques used during manufacturing or cleaning/reconditioning of cellulose containing fabrics. Additionally, treating within the context of this invention contemplates the removal of “immature” or “dead” cotton, from cellulosic fabric or fibers. Immature cotton is significantly more amorphous than mature cotton and results in a lesser quality fabric when present due to, for example, uneven dyeing. The composition contemplated in the present invention further includes a cellulase component for use in washing of a soiled manufactured cellulose containing fabric. For example, the cellulase may be used in a detergent composition for washing laundry. Detergent compositions useful in accordance with the present invention include special formulations such as pre-wash, pre-soak and home-use color restoration compositions. Such treating compositions, as described herein, may be in the form of a concentrate which requires dilution or in the form of a dilute solution or form which can be applied directly to the cellulose containing fabric. General treatment techniques for cellulase treatment of textiles are described in, for example, EP Publication No. 220 016 and GB Application Nos. 1,368,599 and 2,095,275.

Treatment of a cellulosic material according to the present invention further contemplates the treatment of animal feed, pulp and/or paper, food and grain for purposes known in the art. For example, cellulase is known to increase the value of animal feed, improve the drainability of wood pulp, enhance food products and reduce fiber in grain during the grain wet milling process or dry milling process.

Treating, according to the instant invention, comprises preparing an aqueous solution that contains an effective amount of cellulase together with other optional ingredients including, for example, a buffer, a surfactant, and/or a scouring agent. An effective amount of cellulase enzyme composition is a concentration of cellulase enzyme sufficient for its intended purpose. Thus, for example, an “effective amount” of cellulase in a stonewashing composition according to the present invention is that amount which will provide the desired effect, e.g., to produce a worn and faded look in the seams and on fabric panels. Similarly, an “effective amount” of cellulase in a composition intended for improving the feel and/or appearance of a cellulose containing fabric is that amount which will produce measurable improvements in the feel, e.g., improving the smoothness of the fabric, or appearance, e.g., removing pills and fibrils which tend to reduce the sharpness in appearance of a fabric. The amount of cellulase employed is also dependent on the equipment employed, the process parameters employed (the temperature of the cellulase treatment solution, the exposure time to the cellulase solution, and the like), and the cellulase activity (e.g., a particular solution will require a lower concentration of cellulase where a more active cellulase composition is used as compared to a less active cellulase composition). The exact concentration of cellulase in the aqueous treatment solution to which the fabric to be treated is added can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the above factors as well as the desired result. In stonewashing processes, it has generally been preferred that the cellulase be present in the aqueous treating solution in a concentration of from about 0.5 to 5,000 ppm and most preferably about 10 to 200 ppm total protein. In compositions for the improvement of feel and/or appearance of a cellulose containing fabric, it has generally been preferred that the cellulase be present in the aqueous treating solution in a concentration of from about 0.1 to 2000 ppm and most preferably about 0.5 to 200 ppm total protein.

In a preferred treating embodiment, a buffer is employed in the treating composition such that the concentration of buffer is sufficient to maintain the pH of the solution within the range wherein the employed cellulase exhibits activity which, in turn, depends on the nature of the cellulase employed. The exact concentration of buffer employed will depend on several factors that the skilled artisan can readily take into account. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the buffer, as well as the buffer concentration, is selected so as to maintain the pH of the final cellulase solution within the pH range required for optimal cellulase activity. The determination of the optimal pH range of the cellulases of the invention can be ascertained according to well-known techniques. Suitable buffers at pH within the activity range of the cellulase are well known to those skilled in the art in the field.

In addition to cellulase and a buffer, the treating composition may optionally contain a surfactant. Suitable surfactants include any surfactant compatible with the cellulase and the fabric including, for example, anionic, non-ionic and ampholytic surfactants. Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein include linear or branched alkylbenzenesulfonates; alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates having linear or branched alkyl groups or alkenyl groups; alkyl or alkenyl sulfates; olefinsulfonates; alkanesulfonates and the like. Suitable counter ions for anionic surfactants include alkali metal ions such as sodium and potassium; alkaline earth metal ions such as calcium and magnesium; ammonium ion; and alkanolamines having 1 to 3 alkanol groups of carbon number 2 or 3. Ampholytic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salt sulfonates, and betaine-type ampholytic surfactants. Such ampholytic surfactants have both the positive and negative charged groups in the same molecule. Nonionic surfactants generally comprise polyoxyalkylene ethers, as well as higher fatty acid alkanolamides or alkylene oxide adduct thereof, and fatty acid glycerine monoesters. Mixtures of surfactants can also be employed in manners known to those skilled in the art.

A concentrated cellulase composition can be prepared for use in the methods described herein. Such concentrates contain concentrated amounts of the cellulase composition described above, buffer and surfactant, preferably in an aqueous solution. When so formulated, the cellulase concentrate can readily be diluted with water so as to quickly and accurately prepare cellulase preparations having the requisite concentration of each constituent. When aqueous concentrates are formulated, these concentrates can be diluted so as to arrive at the requisite concentration of the components in the cellulase solution as indicated above. As is readily apparent, such cellulase concentrates will permit facile formulation of the cellulase solutions as well as permit feasible transportation of the composition to the location where it will be used. The treating concentrate can be in any art recognized form, for example, liquid, emulsion, gel, or paste. Such forms are well known to those skilled in the art.

When a solid cellulase concentrate is employed, the cellulase composition may be a granule, a powder, an agglomerate or a solid disk. The granules can be formulated so as to contain materials to reduce the rate of dissolution of the granules into the wash medium. Such materials and granules are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,283, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Other materials can also be used with or placed in the cellulase composition of the present invention as desired, including stones, pumice, fillers, solvents, enzyme activators, and anti-redeposition agents depending on the eventual use of the composition.

By way of example, stonewashing methods will be described in detail, however, the parameters described are readily modified by the skilled artisan for other applications, e.g., improving the feel and/or appearance of a fabric. The cellulose containing fabric is contacted with the cellulase containing stonewashing composition containing an effective amount of the cellulase by intermingling the treating composition with the stonewashing composition, and thus bringing the cellulase enzyme into proximity with the fabric. Subsequently, the aqueous solution containing the cellulase and the fabric is agitated. If the treating composition is an aqueous solution, the fabric may be directly soaked in the solution. Similarly, where the stonewashing composition is a concentrate, the concentrate is diluted into a water bath with the cellulose containing fabric. When the stonewashing composition is in a solid form, for example a pre-wash gel or solid stick, the stonewashing composition may be contacted by directly applying the composition to the fabric or to the wash liquor.

The cellulose containing fabric is incubated with the stonewashing solution under conditions effective to allow the enzymatic action to confer a stonewashed appearance to the cellulose containing fabric. For example, during stonewashing, the pH, liquor ratio, temperature and reaction time may be adjusted to optimize the conditions under which the stonewashing composition acts. “Effective conditions” necessarily refers to the pH, liquor ratio, and temperature that allow the cellulase enzyme to react efficiently with cellulose containing fabric, in this case to produce the stonewashed effect. However, such conditions are readily ascertainable by one of skill in the art. The reaction conditions effective for the stonewashing compositions of the present invention are substantially similar to well known methods used with corresponding prior art cellulase compositions. Accordingly, it is within the skill of those in the art to maximize conditions for using the stonewashing compositions according to the present invention.

The liquor ratios during stonewashing, i.e., the ratio of weight of stonewashing composition solution (the wash liquor) to the weight of fabric, employed herein is generally an amount sufficient to achieve the desired stonewashing effect in the denim fabric and is dependent upon the process used. Preferably, the liquor ratios are from about 4:1 to about 50:1; more preferably from about 5:1 to about 20:1, and most preferably from about 10:1 to about 15:1.

Reaction temperatures during stonewashing with the present stonewashing compositions are governed by two competing factors. Firstly, higher temperatures generally correspond to enhanced reaction kinetics, i.e., faster reactions, which permit reduced reaction times as compared to reaction times required at lower temperatures. Accordingly, reaction temperatures are generally at least about 10° C. and greater. Secondly, cellulase is a protein which loses activity beyond a given reaction temperature, which temperature is dependent on the nature of the cellulase used. Thus, if the reaction temperature is permitted to go too high, the cellulolytic activity is lost as a result of the denaturing of the cellulase. While standard temperatures for cellulase usage in the art are generally in the range of 35° C. to 65° C., which conditions would also be expected to be suitable for the cellulase of the invention, the optimal temperature conditions should be ascertained according to well known techniques with respect to the specific cellulase used.

Reaction times are dependent on the specific conditions under which the stonewashing occurs. For example, pH, temperature and concentration of cellulase will all affect the optimal reaction time. Generally, reaction times are from about 5 minutes to about 5 hours, and preferably from about 10 minutes to about 3 hours and, more preferably, from about 20 minutes to about 1 hour.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cellulase of the invention may be employed in a detergent composition. The detergent compositions according to the present invention are useful as pre-wash compositions, pre-soak compositions, or for cleaning during the regular wash or rinse cycle. Preferably, the detergent composition of the present invention comprises an effective amount of cellulase, a surfactant, and optionally includes other ingredients described below.

An effective amount of cellulase employed in the detergent compositions of this invention is an amount sufficient to impart the desirable effects known to be produced by cellulase on cellulose containing fabrics, for example, depilling, softening, anti-pilling, surface fiber removal, anti-graying and cleaning. Preferably, the cellulase in the detergent composition is employed in a concentration of from about 10 ppm to about 20,000 ppm of detergent.

The concentration of cellulase enzyme employed in the detergent composition is preferably selected so that upon dilution into a wash medium, the concentration of cellulase enzyme is in a range of about 0.01 to about 1000 ppm, preferably from about 0.02 ppm to about 500 ppm, and most preferably from about 0.5 ppm to about 250 ppm total protein. The amount of cellulase enzyme employed in the detergent composition will depend on the extent to which the detergent will be diluted upon addition to water so as to form a wash solution.

The detergent compositions of the present invention may be in any art recognized form, for example, as a liquid, in granules, in emulsions, in gels, or in pastes. Such forms are well known to the skilled artisan. When a solid detergent composition is employed, the cellulase is preferably formulated as granules. Preferably, the granules can be formulated so as to additionally contain a cellulase-protecting agent. The granule can be formulated so as to contain materials to reduce the rate of dissolution of the granule into the wash medium. Such materials and granules are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,283, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The detergent compositions of this invention employ a surface-active agent, e.g., a surfactant, including anionic, non-ionic and ampholytic surfactants well known for their use in detergent compositions. The detergent composition of the present invention can be used in a broad pH range from acidic to alkaline pH. In a preferred embodiment, the detergent composition of the present invention can be used in mildly acidic, neutral or alkaline detergent wash media having a pH of from above 5 to no more than about 12.

Aside from the above ingredients, perfumes, buffers, preservatives, dyes, and the like can be used, if desired, with the detergent compositions of this invention. Such components are conventionally employed in amounts heretofore used in the art.

The use of the cellulase according to the invention may also be particularly effective in feed additives and in the processing of pulp and paper. These additional industrial applications are described in, for example, PCT Publication No. 95/16360 and Finnish Granted Patent No. 87372, respectively.

In order to further illustrate the present invention and advantages thereof, the following specific examples are given with the understanding that they are being offered to illustrate the present invention and should not be construed in any way as limiting its scope.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of Genomic DNA Encoding EGIII-Like Cellulases

Genomic DNA was prepared for several different microorganisms for the purpose of undertaking a PCR reaction to determine whether EGIII-like cellulases are encoded by the DNA of a particular organism.

Genomic DNA was obtained from Acremonium brachypenium deposit no. CBS 866.73; Chaetomium brasillience deposit no. CBS 140.50; Chaetomium vitellium deposit no. CBS 250.85; Emericella desertoru deposit no. CBS 653.73; Fusarium equiseti deposit no. CBS 185.34; Gliocladium roseum deposit no. CBS 443.65; Humicola grisea var. thermoidia deposit no. CBS 225.63; Myceliopthora thermophila deposit no. ATCC 48102-48104; Penicillium notatum deposit no. ATCC 9178, 9179; and Phanerochaete chrysosporium deposit no. ATCC 28326 and isolated according to standard methods.

PCR was performed on a standard PCR machine such as the PCT-150 MicroCycler from MJ Research Inc. under the following conditions:

-   -   1) 1 minute at 98° C. for 1 cycle;     -   2) 1 minute at 94° C.,         -   90 seconds at 40° C.,         -   1 minute at 72° C.     -   3) repeat step 2 for 30 cycles,     -   4) 7 minutes at 72° C. for 1 cycle, and     -   5) lower temperature to 15° C. for storage and further analysis.

The following DNA primers were constructed for use in amplification of EGIII-like genes from the libraries constructed from the various microorganisms. All symbols used herein for protein and DNA sequences correspond to IUPAC IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission codes.

BOX 1: primers coding for (N/Q)NLWG forward primer FRG001: AAY AAY YTN TGG GG forward primer FRG002: CAR AAY YTN TGG GG BOX 1′: primers coding for NNN(F/L/Y/I/L/N/K)WG forward primer FRG010: AAY AAY AAY HWI TGG GG BOX2: primers coding for ELMIW forward primer FRG003: GAR YTN A^(—)GA^(——— — —)G reversed primer FRG004: CCA DAT CAT NAR YTC BOX2′: primers coding for YELMIW forward primer FRG011: TAY GAR YTI ATG ATH TGG reversed primer FRG012: CCA DAT CAT IAR YTC RTA BOX3: primers coding for GTE(P/C)FT reversed primer FRG005: GTR AAN GGY TCR GTR CC reversed primer FRG006: GTR AAN GGY TCR GTY CC reversed primer FRG007: GTR AAN GGY TCY GTR CC reversed primer FRG008: GTR AAN GGY TCY GTY CC reversed primer FRG009: GTR AAR CAY TCN GTN CC

PCR conditions were as follows: 10 μL of 10× reaction buffer (10× reaction buffer comprising 100 mM Tris HCl, pH 8-8.5; 250 mM KCl; 50 mM (NH₄)₂SO₄; 20 mM MgSO₄); 0.2 mM each of dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP (final concentration), 1 μL of 100 ng/μL genomic DNA, 1 μL of PWO polymerase (Boehringer Mannheim, Cat #1644-947) at 1 unit per μL, 500 mM primers (final concentration) and water to 100 μL. The solution was overlaid with mineral oil.

The PCR strategy was as follows: forward primers for BOX1 and BOX1′ were combined with reversed primers from BOX3 in a mixture with the desired genomic DNA sample and run on a gel to obtain fragments in the 400-1000 base pair range. The fragments so obtained were pooled and the pool split into two approximately equal portions. The first pool was combined with the forward primers from BOX1 and BOX1′ along with the reversed primer from BOX2. The second pool was combined with the forward primer from BOX2 along with the reversed primers from BOX3. Fragments having the approximate size relative to an EGIII-like cellulase considering the location of the primers within the gene, in this case corresponding to those between 250-500 base pairs, were isolated and sequenced.

From the sequenced fragments, it was possible to use the RAGE technique (rapid amplification of genomic ends) to rapidly obtain the sequence of the full-length gene. Full-length genes have been obtained and are provided with several additional EGIII-like cellulase sequences in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, full length genes isolated from Hypocrea schweinitzii, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus kawachii (1), Aspergillus kawachii (2), Aspergillus oryzae, Humicola grisea, Humicola insolens, Chaetomium brasilliense, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium javanicum (1), Fusarium javanicum (2), Gliocladium roseum (1), Gliocladium roseum (2), Gliocladium roseum (3), Gliogladium roseum (4), Memnoniella echinata, Actinomycete 11AG8, Streptomyces lividans CelB, Rhodothermus marinus, Emericella desertoru, and Erwinia carotovara all comprised significant homology to EGIII from Trichoderma reesei.

Example 2 Temperature Stability Testing of EGIII and EGIII Like Cellulases

EGIII and EGIII homologs derived from Humicola grisea, Humicola insolens, Emercella desertoru, Fusarium javanicum and Memnonella echinata were tested to determine their stability under temperature stress.

Stability was assayed by following the rate of loss of activity upon incubation at a fixed, high temperature: Solutions of EGIII and EGIII-like cellulases at between 0.1 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml in 50 mM citrate/phosphate buffer at pH8.0 were incubated in a water bath at 48° C. At measured times 100 μl aliquots were removed and cooled (or frozen) rapidly. The remaining activity in these aliquots was assayed as detailed below. An irreversible thermal inactivation curve was generated by plotting remaining activity vs time, and the data fitted to a single exponential decay. The half-time of this exponential decay was determined as a measure of thermal stability.

The activity assay was performed as follows: In a well of a 96-well micro-titer plate, 10 μL of enzyme sample was added to 120 μL of substrate (4.2 mg/ml o-nitrophenyl cellobioside) in 50 mM potassium phosphate, pH 6.7. The plate was then incubated for 10 min at 40° C., and the reactions quenched with 70 μL of 0.2M glycine.

The absorption at 410 nm (due to the o-nitrophenol released upon enzymatic cleavage of the substrate) was measured in a micro-titer plate reader. This end-point 410 nm reading was proportional to the cellulase activity in the enzyme sample.

The results of the stability testing were as shown in Table 1:

TABLE 1 EG III LIKE ENZYME HALF LIFE (MINUTES) H. grisea stable* H. insolens stable* E. desertoru 200 F. javanicum 93 M. echinata 192 T. reesei (EGIII) 23 *“stable” indicates less than 20% loss in activity in 200 mins.

As can be seen by the above results, the EGIII-like cellulases had significantly improved stability despite being relatively homologous to EGIII from T. reesei. Accordingly, it is apparent the residues that are different in the more stable homologs are critical for the improved stability of the EGIII-like cellulases and, as such, further improvement of the EGIII-like cellulases and EGIII itself by modifying these residues will result in additional improvements in the stability of EGIII and the EGIII-like enzymes.

Example 3 Stability of T. reesei and H. grisea Variant EGIII-like Cellulases

Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to incorporate amino acid substitutions in T. reesei EGIII. The amino acids substituted into the EGIII were those at homologous locations in the H. grisea homolog.

The following primers were used to produce cysteine substitutions in EGIII from T. reesei and in the EGIII-like cellulase from H. grisea. PCR was performed according to well-known techniques.

TABLE 2 PCR primers EGIII- like cellulase Variant Forward primer Reverse Primer T. reesei V210C GGA ACT CTG AAC TGC GGT CCA GGA TGC GCA GCA TGG TGG ACC GTT CAG AGT TCC G170C CCA ACT ACA GCT GTG GTT CTT GAC ATC ACA ATG TCA AGA AC GCT GTA GTT GG P201C CCA ATT TGG TAC CGA CAC TGC CCG TGA AGC GTG CTT CAC GGG CAG ACT CGG TAC CAA ATT TG GG H. grisea C231V CCA GGT TCA CGG TCA CCT GAA GTC CCT GAC GGG ACT TCA GG CGT GAA CCT GG C190G CGT GAC TTC AGC GGT GTC CTT GAT GTC ACC GAC ATC AAG GAC GCT GAA GTC ACG C221S GTC GGA ACA GAG TCC GAC CGC CTG TGA AGG TTC ACA GGC GGT C ACT CTG TTC CGA C C221P GTC GGA ACA GAG CCC GAC CGC CTG TGA AGG TTC ACA GGC GGT C GCT CTG TTC CGA C C231S CCA GGT TCA CGA GCA CCT GAA GTC CCT GCT GGG ACT TCA GG CGT GAA CCT GG C190S CGT GAC TTC AGC AGT GTC CTT GAT GTC ACT GAC ATC AAG GAC GCT GAA GTC ACG

Briefly, DNA that encodes T. reesei EG III or H. grisea EGIII-like cellulase was amplified from a cDNA clone (Ward, et al., Proc. of the Tricel Symposium on “Trichoderma reesei cellulases and other hydrolases.” Espoo, Finland 1993 Ed. Suominen, P. and Reinikanen, T. Foundation for Biotechnical and Industrial Research. 8, pp 153-158.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,101) using PCR primers that introduced a Bgl II restriction endonuclease site at the 5′ end of the egl3 gene (immediately upstream of the first ATG codon) and an Xba I site at the 3′ end (immediately downstream of the “stop” codon). The amplified fragment was then digested with Bgl II and Xba I, and ligated into pUC19 digested with Bgl II and Xba I.

Variants were made in this plasmid using the QuikChange™ mutagenesis methods (Stratagene). The variant genes were then subcloned into the Aspergillus expression vector pGAPT-pyrG. This is a variant of PGPT-pyrG (Berka and Barnett, Biotech. Adv. 7:127 (1989)) in which non-essential DNA has been excised. Vectors carrying the variant genes were then transformed into A. niger var. awamori and the resultant strains grown in shake-flask cultures (WO 98/31821).

EG III and EGIII-like cellulase variants were then purified from cell-free supernatants of these cultures by column chromatography. Briefly, approximately 1 mL of Pharmacia Butyl Sepharose (Fast Flow) resin per 10 mg of EGIII was loaded into a disposable drip column with 0.5 M. ammonium sulfate. The column was then equilibrated with 0.05 M Bis Tris Propane and 0.05 M ammonium acetate at pH 8 with 0.5 M ammonium sulphate.

The EGIII-like cellulase containing supernatants were treated overnight with 0.18 mg/mL of endoglucanase H at 37° C. Ammonium sulfate was added to the treated supernatants to a final concentration of approximately 0.5 M. After centrifugation, the supernatant was loaded onto the column. The column was then washed with 3 volumes equilibration buffer and then eluted with 2×1 volumes of 0.05 M Bis Tris Propane and 0.05 M ammonium acetate, pH 8. Each volume of flow through was collected as a separate fraction with the EGIII-like cellulase appearing in the second fraction.

Equilibrium CD experiments were performed on an Aviv 62DS or 62ADS spectrophotometer, equipped with a 5 position thermoelectric cell holder supplied by Aviv. Buffer conditions were 50 mM bis-tris propane and 50 mM ammonium acetate adjusted to pH 8.0 with acetic acid. The final protein concentration for each experiment was in the range of 5-30 μM. Data was collected in a 0.1 cm path length cell.

Spectra were collected from 265-˜210 nm. Thermal denaturations were performed at 217 nm from 30 to 90° C. with data collected every two degrees. The equilibration time at each temperature was 0.1 minutes and data was collected for 4 seconds per sample.

The remainder of the pH 8.0 sample was divided into 5×400 uL aliquots. Two samples were adjusted to pH 5 and 7 with acetic acid and two others were adjusted to pH 9 and 10 with sodium hydroxide. Thermal denaturations of all five samples were performed simultaneously as described above. The melting points were determined according to the methods of Luo, et al., Biochemistry 34:10669 and Gloss, et al., Biochemistry 36:5612.

TABLE 3 Thermal Stability of EGIII-like cellulases EG III Residue Ave. Fit Sub- Tm Fit Ave. Tm error stitution Δ Tm ° C. error (std. dev.) (std. dev.) T. reesei WT 0.00 54.60 0.18 54.43 (0.21) 0.20 (0.02) P201C 3.9 58.3 0.15 17.4 71.8 0.23 G170C 2.07 56.50 0.22 V210C 70.60 0.47 70.80 (0.72) 0.31 (0.20) 16.37 71.60 0.38 70.20 0.09 G170C/ 0.67 55.1 0.11 P201C P201C/ 0.69 55.12 0.09 V210C H. grisea WT 0.00 68.69 0.33 C231V 0.78 69.47 0.33 C190G 1.28 69.97 0.19 C221S −5.43 63.26 0.12 C221P −9.14 59.55 0.19 C231S −5.55 63.14 0.18 C190S 0.22 68.91 0.76

As can be seen, recruiting the cysteines from H. grisea EGIII-like cellulase into T. reesei EGIII increased the thermal stability of the variant EGIII-like cellulase compared to wild type. As expected, recruiting residues from EGIII or other EGIII like cellulases into H. grisea EGIII-like cellulase decreased or had no effect on the thermal stability of the H. grisea variant EGIII-like cellulase.

Example 4 Specific Activity of EGIII-like Cellulases

To assay for specific activity, a NPC hydrolysis assay was used. In a microtiter plate, 100 μL 50 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.5 and 20 μl 25 mg/mL o-NPC (o-Nitrophenyl o-D-Cellobioside (Sigma N 4764)) in assay buffer was added. The plate was incubated for 10 minutes at 40° C.

Once equilibrated, 10 μL EGIII-like cellulase was added and the plate incubated at 40° C. for another 10 minutes. To quench the hydrolysis and stop the reaction, 70 μL of 0.2 M glycine, pH 10.0 was added. The plate was then read in a microtiter plate reader at 410 nm. As a guide, 10 μL of a 0.1 mg/ml solution of T. reesei EGIII provided an OD of around 0.3.

The concentration of EGIII-like cellulase was determined by absorbance at 280 nm where the extinction coefficient was 78711 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ or 3.352 g/L⁻¹ experimentally determined by the method of Edelhoch as described in Pace, et al., Pro. Sci. 4:2411 (1995).

TABLE 4 Specific Activity of EGIII-like Cellulases Specific Activity EGIII-like (relative to Standard Cellulase Tm (° C.) WT) Deviation T. reesei Wild Type  54.43 1.00 P201C 58.3/71.8 0.21 G170C 56.5 0.68 V210C 70.8 0.13 H. grisea WT 68.7 1.00 0.032 C231V 69.5 0.68 0.031 C190G 70.0 0.65 0.134 C221S 63.3 1.54 0.047 C221P 59.6 0.91 0.040 C231S 63.3 0.64 0.72 C190S 68.5 0.02

As can be seen from Table 4, the variants with mutations that stabilize the EGIII-like cellulases derived from EGIII lose activity. However, it is anticipated that other mutations will restore the activity and maintain the increased thermal stability of the EGIII-like cellulases.

Interestingly, the EGIII-like cellulases from H. grisea that lost the most thermal stability upon recruitment of EGIII residues maintained specific activity, and in instance, the mutation increased the specific activity of the EGIII-like cellulase. 

1. A variant EGIII or EGIII-like cellulase, wherein said variant comprises a substitution or deletion at a position corresponding to one or more of residues P201, G170 and/or V210 in EGIII from Trichoderma reesei.
 2. The variant of claim 1, wherein said EGIII variant comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to one or more of residues P201C, G170C and/or V210C in EGIII.
 3. The cellulase according to claim 1, wherein said EGIII-like cellulase comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to one or more of residues C190G/S, C221S/P and or C231S/V of H. grisea.
 4. The cellulase according to claim 1, said cellulase being derived from a fungus, bacteria or Actinomycete.
 5. The cellulase according to claim 4, wherein said cellulase is derived from a fungus.
 6. The cellulase according to claim 5, wherein said fungus is a filamentous fungus.
 7. The cellulase according to claim 6 wherein said filamentous fungus belongs to Euascomycete.
 8. The cellulase according to claim 7 wherein said Euascomycete is Aspergillus spp., Gliocladium spp., Fusarium spp., Acremonium spp., Myceliophtora spp., Verticillium spp., Myrothecium spp., or Penicillium spp.
 9. The cellulase according to claim 1, wherein said cellulase is an endoglucanase.
 10. A DNA encoding the cellulase according to claim
 1. 11. A vector comprising the DNA of claim
 10. 12. A host cell transformed with the vector of claim
 11. 13. A method of producing a cellulase comprising the steps of: (a) culturing the host cell according to claim 11 in a suitable culture medium under suitable conditions to produce cellulase; (b) obtaining said produced cellulase.
 14. A detergent composition comprising a surfactant and a cellulase, wherein said cellulase comprises a variant EGIII-like cellulase comprising a substitution or deletion at a position corresponding to one or more of residues P201, G170 and/or V210 in EGIII from Trichoderma reesei.
 15. The detergent of claim 14, wherein said variant comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to one or more of residues residues P201C, G170C and/or V210C in EGIII.
 16. The detergent according to claim 15, wherein said detergent is a laundry detergent.
 17. The detergent according to claim 15, wherein said detergent is a dish detergent.
 18. The use of the variant EGIII or EGIII-like cellulase according to claim 1 in the treatment of a cellulose containing textile.
 19. The use of the EGIII or EGIII-like cellulase according to claim 18 in the stonewashing or indigo dyed denim.
 20. The use of the EGIII or EGIII-like cellulase according to claim 1 as a feed additive.
 21. The use of the EGIII or EGIII-like cellulase according to claim 1 in the treatment of wood pulp.
 22. The use of the EGIII or EGIII-like cellulase according to claim 1 in the reduction of biomass to glucose. 